Orange County’s Great Park
In two decades’ time, Orange County’s Great Park may rival Central Park in New York City. In its current incarnation, the Great Park really is a great park, where you and your family can come together and enjoy a wide range of fun things to do. Here are just a few:
- Walkable Historical Timeline: includes 162 significant historical events
- Visitors Center Pavilion: provides visitors with a welcoming first stop on visits for rides on the Great Park Balloon and Carousel.
- Kids Rock Playground: A group of misting shade structures, climbing rocks, “underground tunnels,” a seating area made from recycled runway concrete, and illustrated lakes and streams on recycled rubber flooring.
- Reflecting Ponds and Viewing Pier: A pair of reflecting ponds and a 2,200 square-foot redwood viewing pier
- Historic Hangar 244: This former squadron complex hangar has been carefully restored as a 10,000 square-foot special event space.
Looking for a different kind of adventure? Then head on over to The Great Park Balloon, Orange County Great Park’s iconic attraction. With the ability to hold up to 25–30 passengers and soar 400 feet above the surrounding landscape, it serves as a public observation deck for the Great Park’s development and offers an unmatched 360° view that spans 40 miles on a clear day. The Great Park Balloon is one of the largest tethered helium (not hot air) balloons and the first of its kind in the United States. It is environmentally safe, non-polluting and virtually silent. The Balloon is always tethered to the ground by a steel cable with the strength of 99,000 pounds, making it a safe and fun experience for everyone. Open Thursday- Sunday